60 Million Workers Rethink What’s Worth Buying

A dollar can only stretch so far. For 60 million Labor Economy workers, each trip to the checkout can involve hard choices about what to buy, how to pay and what to leave behind.

The July 2026 Wage to Wallet™ Index examines how workers earning no more than $25 an hour and typically less than $50,000 a year manage their spending. Labor Economy workers represent 36.5% of employed adults in the United States. Together, they account for more than $1.7 trillion in annual consumer spending.

The findings show that these consumers follow a distinct spending pattern. Their households spend less each month, use debit more often and rely less on credit. They also place more weight on savings they can see right away. Offers that require more spending today for a reward later may be less appealing.

Download the Index Wage to Wallet Index: The Labor Economy Follows a Different Consumer Playbook

In the “Wage to Wallet Index: The Labor Economy Follows a Different Consumer Playbook,” learn how:

Smaller purchases can add up to a major market shift. Labor Economy households spend less across many categories. Travel shows the widest participation gap, which suggests that larger purchases are often cut first.

Installment plans serve a different purpose for lower-wage workers. When Labor Economy consumers use installment financing, 45% do so because they can’t cover the full purchase at once. Rewards play a smaller role in the decision.

Immediate savings can beat future rewards. Labor Economy consumers use loyalty programs, rewards apps and bulk buying less often. Lower prices, simple offers and clear value at checkout may have greater appeal.

The Index also explores what these findings mean for banks, FinTechs, merchants and digital platforms. Debit tools, real-time balance information, clear fees and simple payment choices can help businesses meet these consumers where they are.

Download the Index to see how the Labor Economy is changing spending, payment and shopping behavior across a $1.7 trillion consumer market.

About the Index

“The Labor Economy Follows a Different Consumer Playbook,” a collaboration with WorkWhile, is the July 2026 edition of the Wage to Wallet Index. The Index is based on responses from 2,396 U.S. adult consumers. It compares Labor Economy consumers with non-Labor Economy ones and should be read as a behavioral benchmark. Spending refers to a typical month, payment behavior covers the past three months and change measures cover the past 12 months.